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Time to suit up for a new week.
With conversations stirring about what people are wearing to work – like the rise of the corporate crop top and the high-stakes question: can I wear shorts to work? – we brought in an expert.
Toronto-based personal and brand stylist Renée Lindo says that while clothing choice can cause controversy, it can also help people increase their visibility in a positive way.
“Our style is one of our biggest communication tools. It’s how we say who we are before we even open our mouth,” she says.
First impressions matter, and Ms. Lindo says people make four important assumptions within a few seconds of laying their eyes on you. Quickly, they determine if you’re likeable, trustworthy, competent and confident. For example, she says that wearing a colourful or noteworthy piece can help you appear more confident, and serve as a conversation starter.
Your clothing choices play a big role.
“We spend a lot of time and energy as we’re developing our careers, to get more certifications, build out our network, have mentors and sponsors and make sure our resumes are up to date. Many times we overlook the packaging,” she says.
Recruitment firm Robert Half released data last year that shows choosing the right workwear can be confusing; 68 per cent of hybrid and in-office workers agreed expectations of business attire have become more casual, but one in four didn’t have a clear understanding of what business casual means.
Ms. Lindo shares two main tips to help clear the confusion.
First, she says know your industry. Business casual for a designer at an ad agency is going to be different from what a family lawyer wears daily.
She also advises people to think about their career goals and dress for the role they want, not the role they have. That doesn’t mean you have to lose personality; bold patterns look great under a blazer.
“I’m not saying go out and start shopping, because I think that’s the worst advice,” she says. “You first need to know what you’re shopping for, right?”
As for the corporate crop top: “I firmly believe there are certain types of clothing that don’t have a place in a professional office environment or for work,” she says.
She gives a thumbs up to shorts as long as they are a decent length and a nicer material than jean. However, it still depends on your specific industry and work environment.
“Without direction from employers on what’s appropriate dress for the office, it can be the Wild Wild West sometimes,” she says.
Fast fact
Overlooking mental health at work
34 per cent.
That’s the number of Canadian employees who say their employer treats mental health as a “check-the-box” exercise. A troubling new study conducted by mental health support app maker Wysa also shows 31 per cent say their employer is overlooking serious mental health problems at work and 36 per cent say their leaders view it as a personal issue, not a workplace concern.
“Encouraging positive mental health and holistic well-being in the work environment can prevent things like depression, anxiety and suicidality, which results in turnover, disability, absenteeism and billions spent on disability,” says Dr. Donna Ferguson, a clinical psychologist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). “It’s a worthwhile investment.”
Career guidance
When your raise is late
A question fielded by experts was about a worker who was promoted and told they would get a raise shortly after, but it keeps getting delayed. They say it’s important to read through the entire employment contract to see if there are any provisions that stipulate the raise. If there is no clause, bring it up to HR (tip: do it in writing). From there, legal action may need to be taken.
Quoted
Why culture is still eating strategy
“Understanding and catering to your people was never needed more than in today’s world. The minute needs of your people will make all the difference. Believe in the welfare of your people; listen attentively and be willing to adapt.”
– Lucas Botzen, chief executive officer of human resources firm Rivermate, when discussing how workplaces are being challenged to combat rising employee disengagement and loneliness.
On our radar
“Every consultant and consulting firm is at risk”
One article in Inc. outlines how the business consulting industry is being shaken up by factors like artificial intelligence and automation, the gig economy and the fact that businesses are demanding a more holistic approach to digital transformations that encompass strategy, culture and change management.